Monthly Archives: January 2022

Among the victories of Saudi Arabia and Vision 2030 is the winning war against drugs. The government has seized enormous quantities of drugs this year and it is not the first time that this happens in the GCC nation. However, control over drug dealing and smuggling is one thing that the country has gotten the grasp of in 2021.

Between the years 2015 and 2019, a lot of Captagon pills, also known as synthetic amphetamine, were hauled in the Middle East. Half of the pills taken were actually in Saudi Arabia, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. This has raised concerns that maybe those drug operations were to help and support terrorist networks. The terrorist group Hezbollah, for instance, was a primary suspect of the major productions of Marijuana and Captagon.

Since this issue came to light, the Kingdom has done immaculate work to fight drugs. Starting with a campaign against it, their mission is to: protect society, support the national economy and improve international trade, according to The National.

Just that past year, Saudi Arabia has taken a hold of copious amounts of illegal drugs and smuggled alcohol. With a breaking record of 37,000 kilograms of drugs and 4,155 liters of alcohol, the drugs included hashish, heroin, cocaine, etc. Evidently, the Syrian authorities hauled 500 kilograms of Capatagon pills that were headed to the Kingdom. More of these pills were smuggled from Lebanon. The amount was staggering that a Saudi official said, The quantity of drugs and psychotropics smuggled from Lebanon is enough to drown not only Saudi Arabia but also the entire Arab world. Consequently, Saudi Arabia banned fresh produce shipments from Lebanon, as a way to control the situation.

Seizing such a respectful quantity, only emphasized the Kingdoms success in asserting control over imports and exports. An example of measures taken to protect the nation includes 41 ports around the country equipped with modern security techniques, K-9 units among other ways to detect illegal substances. Additionally, there are ways for people to tip-off the government and report any drug-related case. People can contact this number, 00966114208417, or send an email to 1910@zatca.gov.sa for tip-offs.

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Saudi's War on Drugs: The Plan and How Serious It All Is - Scoop Empire

The War on Drugs stopped by The Ellen Degeneres Show with Lucius to perform the title track from their 2021 album I Dont Live Here Anymore. Check it out below.

The band has also launched Season 2 of The Super High Quality Podcast; the new season is a four-part audio documentary centered on the people, places, and things that define I Dont Live Here Anymore. Host and guitar tech Dominic East details the albums progression from the 2018 demo sessions, the 2019 full-band recordings, and the 2021 rehearsals at which the War on Drugs reunited after 18 months apart.

The War on Drugs first shared a video for I Dont Live Here Anymore in September. The first season of The Super High Quality Podcast launched in November 2020.

Check out Pitchforks interview The War on Drugs Find Lightness on the Edge of Town.

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

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Watch the War on Drugs and Lucius Perform I Don't Live Here Anymore on Ellen - Pitchfork

Legalizing recreational pot is good news to a lot of the region's residents.

Politicians, business owners, lawyers and activists have been quoted extensively on what they think about the legalization of recreational marijuana. So The Day posed a questionto readers to find out what residents in southeastern Connecticut think.

The legislature passed a recreational cannabis bill last year. Provisions of the law prohibit police from citing the smell of marijuana as a reason for probable cause to stop or search a person's car, enable people to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis and grow their ownmarijuana, and aim to award retaillicenses to those who have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs, among other stipulations.

The Day asked readers: Would you be opposed to having a dispensary in your town? Why or why not? And, do you find legalization to be a positive or a negative development, why or why not? With nearly 100 responses, this story could only quote a selection of respondents while summarizing the opinions of others.

Day reader Sarah Woodin said she feels "cannabis consumption is at least as safe as alcohol consumption and should be treated as such." Will Shanahan said legalization is "good for the economy and people shouldn't be in jail for weed."

These two answers reflected the dominant thinking in the query responses. Readers talked increased tax revenue and money for both the state and municipalities. They said having a dispensary in town would actually be better than the high number of bars and liquor stores. And they said using weed should not be a crime.

"We incarcerate non-whites more than whites, our prison system should not be as large, private, or for profit as it is, and if you really want to debate the medical and effects on society then most prescription drugs should be illegal as well as tobacco and alcohol, while marijuana should be available for anyone of legal adult age - 18," said a respondent who went by theinitials C.S.

Others also touched on what became an ongoing discussion during legislative debate to legalize recreational marijuana: how the war on drugs targeted people of color for incarceration.

"I feel marijuana is safer than alcohol, and the reason it was illegal was more about controlling people (mostly people of color) and not about harm reduction," Stephen Schofield said.

Respondent Carter Courtney said something similar: "Thousands of lives will not be ruined by overzealous police and prosecutors, and jail populations will decrease."

Some respondents, including Tom Donnee, said people are going to use marijuana whether it's legal or illegal. "Arrests have done nothing but ruin people's lives," he said.

Susan Dombrowski was adamant. "It's literally a weed," she said. "Get over it already. People in jail for selling plants, in America? Ridiculous!"

Jan Magnussen said cannabis, like alcohol, should be legal, controlled and taxed, as that will "remove income from criminal networks, and avoid criminally charging people for use."

Other respondents also said legal retail sale of marijuana would stop people from buying or selling it on the streets.

Though Chris Jawaka said legalization is a positive development, he isn't sure it will stop the "black market." "The problem is that the legal retail stores are going to be forced to charge so much in taxes that it's not going to do anything to put the street dealers out of business," he said.

Lauren Davis said legal sale of marijuana "reduces the risk of consuming street-bought substances possibly laced or tampered with."

Liquor vs. marijuana

Greg Ellis said marijuana is no worse than liquor or cigarettes, "in fact, it can be argued it is safer than either and it has been shown to have medical benefit."

"Towns have zero issue selling liquor or tobacco at any gas station or even within a few hundred feet of a school," he added."To deny a dispensary the same standing is puritan hypocrisy."

Rob Justice said marijuana is "definitely not as dangerous as alcohol, both in terms of behavior and health." And Vana Parker called cannabis a "natural medicine" that is "far better for us than alcohol."

Thomas Moriarty had a local twist on the subject: "East Lyme has seven package stores, why not one outlet that sells a different intoxicant?"

Maria Bareiss said what several other respondents noted about New London and Norwich that the cities could use the economic boost of marijuana businesses before saying New London "could afford to lose about half our liquor stores."

"I would happily have three dispensaries and three liquor stores," she added.

Ken Mayer pointed out that, "We currently have liquor stores, sell cigarettes and have a 'gentlemen's club' in town," and adding a dispensary to the mix wouldn't be a negative.

Dean Morse argued that legalization was delayed for years "due to total ignorance and lobbying from the liquor industry. Marijuana stores should have been open long ago."

Economic incentive

Day readers extolled legalization's effect on state and local economies, in particular the ripple effect of having more businesses in cities such as New London and Norwich.

According to the state law, whichtook effect July 1, municipalities have the discretion to allow or prohibit cannabis businesses within their borders, as well as regulate signs and operating hours of such businesses. In October, Stonington residents voted 2,106 to 1,816 to allow cannabis businesses in town. Just this month, the Stonington Planning and Zoning Commission agreed to seek a six-month moratorium on accepting applications from anyone who wants to operate such a business in town.

The Waterford Planning and Zoning Commission voted in December to place a moratorium on the application, installation and creation of any cannabis establishment fora year until the commission adopts regulations in support or against such establishments.

In November, more than 100 people gathered in downtown Norwich to hear the nuts and bolts of the new law, how to get into the business and how it could benefit the city financially. Mayor Peter Nystrom greeted the collection of entrepreneurs, residents, city leaders and curious attendees by admitting he was a "naysayer" a couple years ago when the state considered legalizing recreational cannabis. "But I'm a realist," he said, accepting that the new law could benefit Norwich.

In Preston, the Planning and Zoning Commission last year approved a six-month moratorium on cannabis establishments to allow time to review the new state law legalizing cannabis growing and retail sales and adjust zoning regulations. The state law allows towns with up to 25,000 residents including Preston to have one retail cannabis establishment and one "micro-cultivator," defined as a licensed grower with between 2,000 and 10,000 square feet of growing space. These restrictions are in place through June 30, 2024, when the state may consider increasing them.

Discussions on how to handle legalization and possible moratoriums have been ongoing in East Lyme, Old Lyme, Montville, New London and Groton, as well, with New London and Montville municipal leaders in particular expressing support for the new law.

Joshua Kellytold The Day thathaving a dispensary in town "means we get 3% sales tax revenue, I'd rather have that than have a dispensary one town over and let them get that revenue."

Liz Richard said revenue from legalization will "benefit every town with a dispensary, for exposure, for connecting communities and building trust between law enforcement and citizens."

Jeff H. said legalization will bring a considerable tax benefit to towns "to afford to pay for education and health needs."

Multiple people said they'd welcome a dispensary in Norwich.

"I have multiple sclerosis and I go to the local dispensary, I would love one here in Norwich," Chiara Garrison said.

Respondent B.T., who is supportive of a recreational dispensary in Norwich, said legalization has afforded "a once-in-a-lifetime chance to capitalize on an economic opportunity that has the potential to fill vacant mills and storefronts in Norwich's struggling downtown and in areas such as Greeneville and Taftville."

"As a community disproportionately affected by the failed War on Drugs, Norwich should seize the chance to revitalize its local economy by being a hub for recreational cannabis in Southeastern Connecticut," B.T. added.

Opposition

A small number of respondents opposed legalization and the possibility of retail recreational marijuana purveyors on mostly moral grounds. Some argued the health effects could be destructive.

Joe McCoy took issue with the fact that marijuana has not been federally legalized. "No matter what the State of Connecticut says, marijuana is not legal in any state for any purpose at all," he said. "State nullification of federal law will lead to more of the same thing. It's primarily blue states that are nullifying pot laws. This can lead to red states nullifying other laws."

Others also said they'd be opposed to it because cannabis isn't legal on the federal level.

Some expressed opposition because of a supposed effect on young people.

"I would be fully opposed due to the increase in minors having better access as well as an unnecessary abundance of out-of-town traffic coming to pick up a still federally illegal substance," Justin B. said.

George Sprecace contended that, "The current younger generations already have an overabundance of stupids! And immatures."

Raymond Cieplik and others said the impact of marijuana on the developing brains of young people is unknown and "pot will make its way to kids as it becomes more accessible."

Nanette Hay said she doesn't want to drive "with people under the influence" of marijuana.

Michael Silvia said, "We already have enough people sitting around with their heads in the clouds," adding that a dispensary will only attract "unproductive people."

Richard Pascal said the law essentially authorizes "additional buzzed driving." He added, "Society should be consistent in its efforts to decrease drugged or drunk citizens. Never mind the harmful health effects with smoking that marijuana causes, and there are reported negative effects on personality and the brain. They call it 'dope' for a reason. Society needs more productive citizens, not less productive ones."

Frederick Shakir put it succinctly: "Promoting intoxication is bad for the individual and for the society."

Dave Nowakowski said he didn't find the legislature passed thismeasure in good faith. "I feel the legislature passed the law based mostly on tax income potential and competition with neighboring states," he said,"as opposed to best interests of the residents of CT, particularly our underage residents."

s.spinella@theday.com

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The Day - What Day readers think of marijuana legalization - News from southeastern Connecticut - theday.com

The nominees for international group of the year at Februarys Brit Awards are truly international: Theres ABBA from Sweden, BTS from South Korea, Mneskin from Italy, and two American acts R&B superduo Silk Sonic and rock band The War on Drugs.

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This is the second nomination in that category for both BTS, who lost last year to HAIM, and The War on Drugs, who lost in 2015 to Foo Fighters. (In Britain, of course, American acts, such as HAIM and Foo Fighters, are considered international.)

Despite the Grammys recent postponement of their planned Jan. 31 show to the spring due to the fast-spreading Omicron variant, the Brit Awards are still on for Feb. 8 at The O2 Arena in London.

Five American acts are competing for international artist of the year Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift.

This marks the first time in 29 years that the Brits will present one, gender-neutral category for international solo artists. Two of this years nominees won in the defunct international female solo artist category. Eilish won that award in both 2020 and 2021. Swift won it in 2015; she was nominated three other times, losing to Lana Del Rey (2013), Lorde (2018) and Eilish (2021).

A total of 25 artists are nominated for best international song at this years Brits. (Fifteen singles are nominated, but six are by multiple artists). The roster includes nine artists from the U.S. (Eilish, Doja Cat, SZA, Lil Baby, Lil Nas X, Lil Tjay, 6lack, Rodrigo and Polo G), three from Canada (Drake, Justin Bieber and The Weeknd), three from Germany (ATB, Topic and Jonasu), two from Nigeria (CKay and Joeboy), two from Sweden (A7S and Galantis), and one each from Australia (The Kid LAROI), Ghana (Kuami Eugene), France (David Guetta), Britain (Little Mix), Italy (Mneskin) and The Netherlands (Tisto).

In an odd twist, Frenchman Guetta is nominated for both song of the year, which is the province of British acts, and best international song, which is reserved for acts from outside of Britain. Thats because at least 50% of the artists on his two song of the year nominees are British. He teams with Joel Corry and Raye for Bed, and with Becky Hill for Remember.

But only one-third of the artists on his best international song contender, Heartbreak Anthem, are British. He teams on that record with Swedens Galantis and British group Little Mix. (This also explains why a British group is up for best international song.)

The award for international group was first presented in 1986. It has gone to 18 groups from the U.S., three from (or founded in) Australia (INXS, Crowded House and Tame Impala), two from Ireland (U2 and The Corrs), and one each from Canada (Arcade Fire) and France (Daft Punk).

Here are the nominees for 2022 Brit Awards in the three international categories:

International group:

ABBA

BTS

Mneskin

Silk Sonic

The War On Drugs

International artist:

Billie Eilish

Doja Cat

Lil Nas X

Olivia Rodrigo

Taylor Swift

Best international song:

ATB,Topic&A7S Your Love (9PM)

Billie Eilish Happier Than Ever

CKayfeaturingJoeboyandKuami Eugene Love Nwantiti Remix (Ah Ah Ah)

Doja CatfeaturingSZA Kiss Me More

DrakefeaturingLil Baby Girls Want Girls

Galantis,David Guetta&Little Mix Heartbreak Anthem

Jonasu Black Magic

The Kid LAROI.&Justin Bieber Stay

Lil Nas X Montero (Call Me by Your Name)

Lil Tjay&6lack Calling My Phone

Mneskin I Wanna Be Your Slave

Olivia Rodrigo Good 4 U

Polo G Rapstar

Tisto The Business

The Weeknd Save Your Tears

The winners in all three of these categories will be chosen by The Brits voting academy, which consists of industry professionals.

Originally posted here:

BTS, Maneskin & More Are International Nominees at the 2022 Brit Awards - Billboard

Major Curtiss Hartley| Columbia Daily Tribune

Sitting down to write this column, it is 12 degrees at lunch time in Columbia. So that means it will likely get a little warmer over the course of the day and then we are in for a cold, cold night. My smart phone tells me it should get down to about seven degrees.

Man, that is pretty cold. Thank goodness I am inside!

Sadly, not everyone is inside right now. Not everyone will be inside tonight.

Warm space to offer shelter to our neighbors facing homelessness is at a premium every Columbia winter. Night at the Inn is a wonderful community organization that basically only functions during the winter, out of various community churches, offering warm beds to as many as they can. John Trapp is one of Columbias leading advocates for those facing homelessness and he leads the board there.

Just this week it was in the news that temporary warming centers have been opened both by the City of Columbia and The Salvation Army. The city has put cots at Wabash bus station for weekend nights and we are adding as many as we can find at The Salvation Army Harbor House (our shelter for people facing homelesssness, pretty full year-round). Believe it or not, it can be hard to find enough cots to put out for this kind of thing!

Welcome Home (focused on veterans) and St. Francis House are the two other big options, and we are so lucky to have them. Yes, it is going to be a tough winter, with nowhere near enough community resources to meet the need.

Smack in the middle of tough times, here is a story that warms my heart that you might enjoy.

Just yesterday, we heard from one of our supporters here at The Salvation Army who has befriended and is trying to help a man who has been living unsheltered. What is his story? He hit hard times several years ago when he had an accident, was prescribed opiate-based painkillers (percocet), and got addicted (other than that he had not had problems with drugs or alcohol).

Fast forward and it has been five years since the gentleman got himself off of the percocet and he has been trying to get back on track. He moved to Columbia because he had been promised a job at a new restaurant an offer that quickly disappeared as COVID hit and the restaurant never opened. Our unsheltered friend has been struggling ever since.

Today, with nothing but a good heart and a story that might have happened to many of us, this fellow has just himself and the assistance of one person. For her part, she is helping him here and there where she can, including putting him up in one of our finest local, budget hotels (warm, dry, safe, and even with cable). We are hoping we can get him into The Salvation Army Harbor House as a resident, working toward his own job and housing.

So, that is the big deal for now. Certainly, this is always true, but for the next two months or so, we really should consider focusing our charitable impulses on issues of living and dying. When you consider where to give your time; when you consider where to give your money; there are so many great causes, but with the extreme cold there is extra urgency. Please, find a way to give time and money to organizations that help fight the cold.

One person can make a difference. Working together, we can make an even bigger one.

Major Curtiss Hartley is a leader of The Salvation Army in Mid-Missouri, with facilities in Columbia and Jefferson City. The Salvation Army provides a wide range of community services to address poverty and other issues, seeking to rebuild lives and create lasting change.

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Columbia's War on Poverty: Fighting the cold - Columbia Daily Tribune